Many Casinoz readers, who often play at internet casinos, sometimes think after a bad luck streak, “That’s enough! It’s time to stop gambling! I’m tired of losing money!” But the very next day, the state of things does not seem that awful; you start hoping that the Fortune will favor you, and you are gambling again, looking for loose slots and hoping to hit the jackpot.
If you want not to let yourself go backward and take the path of correction, you can use the self-exclusion system. It is available at most online casinos and, together with other responsible gaming policy options, helps overcome problem gambling.
The article is about this feature, but first, let us remind you how to prevent and fight gambling addiction.
How Do Casinos Struggle against Problem Gambling?
Gambling operators are armed with numerous methods of preventing addictive gambling and helping addicts. Below, we have listed general options with their brief descriptions. Remember that every gambling website may offer its versions of these tools.
Customers’ Self-Exclusion
It is the subject matter of this article. Self-exclusion is mandatory for all reliable and high-quality online casinos. It can be temporary or eternal.
Temporary self-exclusion means the account is suspended for a day, week, month, three months, or half a year. On some websites, customers may exclude themselves for a year.
The eternal self-exclusion implies that the player asks to block his account forever and never allow him to play at this casino. Not all operators offer this option, which is understandable, as they hope that the client will return to them.
N.B. Fair internet casinos never bother self-excluded customers.
They do not send them e-mails, do not phone them, and do not try to contact them via messengers or social networks.
We must admit that not all gambling websites are so honest. Many casinos remind themselves.
Continue reading the article to find out more about self-exclusion at internet casinos.
Deposit Limits
This option lets customers set total deposit limits for a particular period. When the players reach the maximum amounts, they may not deposit more money until the period ends.
Loss Limits
The casino sums up how much the customer has lost. If the limit is reached, the client may not gamble until the end of the period. When it ends, the player may deposit money into the account and make bets again.
Playing Time Limits
This tool helps to control how long the customer gambles. The player sets time limits – for example, two hours a day.
After two hours of playing slots or any other games, the process will automatically cease. The ban will be lifted the next day.
Reminders
The most passionate customers get caught up in gambling and forget about time. Online casinos use reminders for them.
They can have different forms, but the main idea is the same: a message appears on the screen after some period. It contains information on how long the person has been gambling. It may also indicate how much the player has lost or won.
Organizations Helping Gambling Addicts
Several prominent international organizations help problem gamblers treat their addiction. Here are some of them:
- Gamblers Anonymous,
- Gordon Moody Association,
- National Council on Problem Gambling.
On the Responsible Gaming page, casinos usually offer links to their official websites, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, or other contact information.
If you realize that you experience gambling issues, do not hesitate to ask specialists for help.
Underage Protection
Fair gambling operators always check the age of their new customers. The most responsible ones do it right after a novice registers an account. It helps them restrict underage visitors from gambling.
Dishonest internet casino managers let all newbies make deposits and bets. They initiate the verification procedure and check the age when the client wants to withdraw the winnings.
Gambling Addiction Tests
Various questionnaires are usually available on the Responsible Gaming page at most large online casinos.
They are pretty simple, and the answers to those questions are obvious. If you answer “yes” to at least one of them, it implies you have symptoms of problem gambling.
Of course, there is not much practical sense in them. Actual ludomans do not participate in such tests. They either think they are ok or realize they must do something to treat addiction.
Helpful Software
Some websites offer links to computer programs helping to prevent ludomania, treat it, or protect vulnerable people.
Such software can be divided into the following categories:
- Programs for addictive gamblers restrict access to gambling websites.
- Software for parents allows them to control their children’s online activity.
Here are some popular products:
- betfilter.com
- betblocker.org
- gamban.com
- gamblock.com
- netnanny.com
Of course, there are many more of them in the market.
Customer Support
- A responsive and polite support team can help customers prevent or overcome gambling addiction.
They can give them helpful tips, quickly activate self-exclusion, and recommend organizations treating problem gamblers.
How to Delete Your Casino Account Permanently
You must start this option yourself. If you want to block your account, you must take the initiative.
Technically, it is very easy to launch self-exclusion. The procedure may vary in different casinos, but the main steps usually look like these:
- Sign into your account.
- Go to the responsible gaming section.
- Choose the necessary option.
- Activate this tool.
On some gambling websites, you may use self-exclusion via customer support only. In such cases, you must address the support team and ask them for help.
Can Self-Exclusion Help Gamblers Treat the Addiction?
Self-exclusion can help you to avoid addictive gambling. It is a very important feature of the responsible gaming program of any online casino.
All problem gamblers experience periods of enlightenment when they consider pausing or quitting casinos forever. They feel confident enough to block or at least suspend their accounts in such moments. If later they want to resume gambling, they will not be able to do it.
Skeptics might say, “Who prevents ludomans from registering at another casino and continuing gambling?”
They are right. Practically nobody can stop them from doing this. But signing up and verifying the account takes some time. Maybe, in the process of registering, the gambler will think again.
Anyway, self-exclusion is helpful, though it is not a panacea. For some people, it just does not work. They need something else.
Casinoz will be glad to know your opinion on the subject matter.
- Have you ever used it?
- Did it help you?
- How efficient do you think it is?
Let’s discuss these questions below.
Here is a list of reliable online casinos with superb responsible gaming programs.